First published in 1949, Beyond Realism and Idealism argues for a consistency of idealism with realism, or synthesis of the two positions which should retain the essential cognitive meanings and values of both. The argument of this book falls into two main parts: chapters one to six are concerned with the argument for the transcendence of the opposition and chapter seven to ten with an attempt to develop in detail a position which can be described as beyond realism and idealism. The method of the first part of the study is dialectical in the broad sense of the term and chapters seven to ten are of a different character. The final chapter, the Epilogue, discusses the significance of a transcendence of realism and idealism for modern culture and philosophy. This is an important read for scholars and researchers of philosophy.
Preface 1. Introduction: The Epistemological Problem in General and the Opposition of Realism and Idealism 2. The Driving Force of Idealism: The Idealistic Train of Thought 3. The Resistance of Realism: The Realistic Train of Thought 4. The Transcendence of Realism and Idealism: The Conditions of Transcendence 5. Beyond Realism and Idealism: Reconciliation, Vital and Theoretical. The Consilience of Realism and Idealism 6. Beyond Realism and Idealism (continued): Objections to the Preceding Dialectical Solution 7. Realism, Idealism and the Philosophy of Nature: The Philosophy of Physical Science 8. Realism, Idealism and ‘The Philosophy of Spirit’: The World of Values 9. An Idealistic Philosophy on Realistic Lines: The ‘Synthesis of Idealism and Naturalism’ 10. Realism, Idealism and Philosophia Perennis: Epilogue
Biography
Wilbur Marshall Urban
